What causes you to get shingles? (Herpes Zoster) – Symptoms & Treatment

By Modasta
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Published on: April 12, 2018

Produced by Modasta:
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Published on: April 12, 2018

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Dr. Sunaina Hameed, Dermatologist, Skin Health Bangalore talks about Shingles, a type of skin rash developed due to a viral infection. The medical name of shingles is Herpes zoster. It is characterized by painful rashes that may take several weeks to clear up.

The varicella zoster virus causes shingles and chicken pox. In individuals who had chickenpox, the virus usually in a dormant state. Years later it can reappear as shingles. It often starts with pain and a general feeling of being ill. The rashes appear a day or two later, mostly on one side of the body. The pain is persistent for several days or weeks at a stretch.

This virus can spread from contact to anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox. Kids, pregnant women, elderly and individuals suffering from immune compromised diseases must avoid anyone with shingles.

“The key to the management of shingles is to diagnose the symptoms as soon as possible. Antiviral medication should be started within 48 hours of the appearance of the infection. Elderly are more prone to shingles.”